Matthew - 15:20



20 These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Matthew 15:20.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
these are the things which defile man; but the eating with unwashen hands does not defile man.
these are the things defiling the man; but to eat with unwashen hands doth not defile the man.'
These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defiles not a man.
These are the things which defile the man; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile."
These are the things which make a man unclean; but to take food with unwashed hands does not make a man unclean.
These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.'
These are the things that defile a man. But to eat without washing hands does not defile a man."
These are the things that defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a person."

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

These are the things which defile a man - These are the true sources of pollution in man.
These are what corrupt and degrade. It is not the neglect of washing the body which defiles; it is the deep, inward corruption of the heart. And what a fountain of pollution is the human soul! What an array of crimes to proceed from the heart of man! What a proof of guilt! What strictness is there in the law of God! How universal is depravity!

These - defile a man - Our Lord's argument is very plain. What goes into the mouth descends into the stomach and other intestines; - part is retained for the nourishment of the body, and part is ejected, as being improper to afford nourishment. Nothing of this kind defiles the soul, because it does not enter into it; but the evil principles that are in it, producing evil thoughts, murders, etc., these defile the soul, because they have their seat and operation in it.

These are the things which defile a man,.... These are filthy in themselves, and must pollute all in whom they are; they bring a defilement on the whole man, both body and soul, fasten guilt upon him, and expose him to everlasting punishment:
but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man: should a man neglect to wash his bands before eating a common meal, this need give him no uneasiness; he contracts no filth to his soul hereby, nor any guilt to his conscience; nor does he break any law of God; nor is he liable to any penalty for such an omission. This is a trifling matter, and merits no regard; but the things before mentioned are in their nature evil: they are contrary to the law of God; they are abominable in his sight; they render men loathsome and odious to the divine being; and expose them to shame and ruin; and it is only the blood of Christ can cleanse them from the pollution and guilt of them, and secure them from that punishment they deserve.

These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man--Thus does our Lord sum up this whole searching discourse.

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